WHEELIE bins – and with them alternating weekly collections – have rolled outside the homes of the first residents in Southport.

Parts of Ainsdale were the first in the resort to receive the grey and green bins, in a phased programme due to end in Crossens in September.

The area – including Sandbrook Road, its adjoining streets and the nearby stretch of Liverpool Road – has also seen the first collections under the alternating weekly system, which has been the focus of popular and political dispute.

Pat and Cath Regan, who live in Sandbrook Road with their children aged four, six and 18, are fiercely opposed to aspects of the new system.

Cath, 44, said: “There needs to be weekly collections. We were generally putting out eight or nine black bags a week.”

Pat, 50, said: “It’s mainly supermarket stuff that fills the bins. Having young children means a lot a of plastic milk bottles, even though I crush them down.”

Other Ainsdale residents have questioned the bin space provided – but their overall response was more positive than the Regans.

Joseph Dunn, 50, of Briar Road, said: “I think it’s a good system and the wheelie bins are a lot tidier.

“But I understand what people are saying about non-recyclable waste. I take extra waste to the tip, but not everyone has that option.”

Sandbrook Road resident and retired taxi driver Jack Usher, 66, said: “We’ll have to wait and see, it will probably be a good idea.

“But there are only two of us and some people will struggle with the size of the bins, with fortnightly collections.”

Another Sandbrook Road resident, who didn’t wish to be named, said: “I’m quite happy with recycling. My daughter has three kids and she takes all her plastics up to the supermarket [bring site].”

Sefton Council’s policy is that households with a large number of occupants can apply for an assessment to receive an additional bin, “subject to them using the existing recycling facilities to the fullest extent”.

Ainsdale ward councillor Brenda Porter said of the new system: “There’s a weight of concern. The council should have a helpline number just dedicated to the wheelie bins.”

l Sefton Council asks residents requiring further assistance with the new waste collection system to visit www.sefton.gov.uk or call 0845 140 0845.